With the darkest days of winter behind us, and early-season events approaching, that spring feeling is in the air. But you wouldn’t know it from looking at the roads, where the salt, dirt, and debris that piles up all winter hasn’t yet been cleared away.

To find out how to safely handle messy late-winter rides, we caught up with three-time National Cyclocross Champion Tim Johnson.

Fatten Your Ride
With your tires, that is. “Tires are one of the easiest changes that make a difference in nasty conditions and variable pavement,” Johnson says. He recommends switching to a heavy-duty training tire—such as a Continental GatorSkin or a Celement Strada LLG—in a 25c or 28c size. The wider, thicker rubber boosts traction over rough surfaces while adding extra flat protection.
Drop Pounds—of Pressure
Got the fatter treads? Now drop the tire pressure. This setup absorbs shocks and vibrations from broken pavement and potholes for improved comfort and control. “If you’re the kind of guy that throws 120psi into your tires in the summer, 90 is plenty, especially with a 25c,” Johnson says. “You can go even lower with a 28.”
Protect Your Drivetrain
“Thicker lubes last longer,” Johnson says, who recommends Rock”N”Roll Extreme and Motorex Wet lubes to keep your drivetrain running and shifting smoothly through spring’s grime. Be sure to wipe down your chain and gears, and then reapply when you get home from your spin.

Eat More, Drink More
Riders tend to be less aware of their fitness and fueling needs in the winter months. "You can easily end up suffering at the end of a ride, or bonked the following day, because you didn’t pay attention to what you were eating or drinking," Johnson explains. "I’ve been using Skratch products since last year, and on winter trainer rides I might take in 3 or 4 liters of drink mix in a 90-minute to 2-hour session. That’s a lot, but it works. If you’re eating and drinking right, you can ride longer, train harder, and have a better ride."

Think Like a Motorcyclist
Assume vehicles don’t see you. “You have to be ultra defensive and super aware of what’s happening around you,” Johnson says. And, though he admits it sounds lame, that means riding defensively, like slowing down through corners and completely stopping at stop signs. Salt and dirt on the road might be coating a car’s windows or mirrors, making it more difficult to notice you. “Drivers aren’t expecting cyclists to be out now, so they might be a little more aggressive or sensitive to your mistakes,” Johnson says. “Being extra aware and slowing down can keep you safe now, and also make things better as the season progresses. These are your home roads—how you’re viewed depends on what you do out there.”